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Modals Class 8 Notes

Modals are auxiliary verbs that express the speaker's mood, showing ability, possibility, necessity, and permission. Common modal verbs include can, could, may, must, shall, should, will, would, ought to, need, dare, and used to, each serving specific functions in sentences. Key rules include that modals are followed by the base form of the verb, do not change with the subject, and do not take an -s in the third person singular.

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319 views3 pages

Modals Class 8 Notes

Modals are auxiliary verbs that express the speaker's mood, showing ability, possibility, necessity, and permission. Common modal verbs include can, could, may, must, shall, should, will, would, ought to, need, dare, and used to, each serving specific functions in sentences. Key rules include that modals are followed by the base form of the verb, do not change with the subject, and do not take an -s in the third person singular.

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Modals - Class 8 English Grammar Notes

What are Modals?

Modals are helping verbs (also called auxiliary verbs) that express the mood or attitude of the

speaker.

They show ability, possibility, necessity, permission, advice, etc.

Modals are always used with the base form of the main verb (without "to").

Common Modal Verbs:

Can - Ability, permission, possibility

Example: She can swim. / Can I leave?

Could - Past ability, polite request

Example: I could run fast when I was young.

May - Permission, possibility

Example: May I come in? / It may rain.

Might - Weak possibility

Example: He might come today.

Must - Necessity, strong obligation

Example: You must wear a seatbelt.

Shall - Future (formal), suggestion

Example: Shall we dance?

Should - Advice, moral duty

Example: You should respect elders.

Will - Future certainty, promise

Example: I will call you later.

Would - Polite request, imaginary action


Example: Would you help me? / I would travel if I could.

Ought to - Moral duty, strong advice

Example: You ought to study hard.

Need - Necessity

Example: You need not worry.

Dare - Challenge, courage (rare use)

Example: Dare he speak like that?

Used to - Past habit

Example: I used to play outside a lot.

Rules of Modals:

1. Modals are followed by the base form of the verb. (e.g., He can go)

2. Modals do not change with the subject. (e.g., I can, she can, we can)

3. Modals do not take an -s in third person singular.

Uses of Modals with Examples:

1. Expressing Ability

Example: She can dance very well.

2. Asking Permission

Example: May I go out? / Can I use your phone?

3. Giving Advice

Example: You should eat healthy food. / You ought to apologize.

4. Expressing Necessity or Obligation


Example: You must wear a helmet. / You need to study hard.

5. Making Requests

Example: Could you help me? / Would you please wait?

6. Talking about Future

Example: I will meet you tomorrow. / Shall we begin?

7. Expressing Habit (past)

Example: I used to walk to school.

8. Showing Possibility

Example: It may snow today. / He might be busy.

Difference between Similar Modals:

Can vs May:

- Can: ability or informal permission

- May: formal permission

Should vs Must:

- Should: advice

- Must: strong obligation

Could vs Would:

- Could: past ability or polite request

- Would: hypothetical or polite offer

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